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Population Review

Bedford County, Tennessee Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 32nd-largest in Tennessee

The population of Bedford County, Tennessee is 51,291 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 32nd-largest county in Tennessee. The median household income is $62,197, the median home value is $255,300, and the median age is 37.6.

The population of Bedford County has grown 20.3% since 2010 (45,082 → 54,228), a +1.33% annualized rate.

Bedford County within Tennessee · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

51,291

Population

+1.33%

Annual growth

108

People / sq mi

$62,197

Median Income

$255,300

Median Home Value

Bedford County covers 474 sq mi of land at 108.3 people per square mile.

About Bedford County, TN

Bedford County is a county in Tennessee with a population of 51,291. It ranks #32 among counties in Tennessee by population. The median age is 37.6, younger than the national median. The population is 50.9% male and 49.1% female.

The median household income in Bedford County is $62,197, below the US median of $74,580. 12.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $255,300, with monthly rent averaging $917. The homeownership rate of 70.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Bedford County reflects 16.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 27.5 minutes each way.

Bedford County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Bedford County had a population of 45,082 in 2010 and 54,228 in 2024, a 20.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 54,228 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.33%.

2024 · 54K20102024

54,228

Population (2024)

45,082

Population (2010)

54,228

Peak (2024)

1.33%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201045,082
201145,249
201245,254
201345,567
201446,257
201546,954
201647,454
201748,214
201849,153
201949,684
202050,396
202151,201
202252,088
202353,274
202454,228

Race & Ethnicity

White79.6%
Black or African American7.1%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)2.0%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

37.6

Median Age

49.1%

Female

50.9%

Male

14.5%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.6%
5–9
6.1%
10–14
8.3%
15–19
6.7%
20–24
5.8%
25–34
13.8%
35–44
13.1%
45–54
12.6%
55–59
5.6%
60–64
6.9%
65–74
8.6%
75–84
4.7%
85+
1.2%

Children (under 15): 21.0% · Seniors (65+): 14.5%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$62,197$-4,900 vs state
Mean household income$78,968
Per-capita income$29,468
Poverty rate12.5%+2.6% vs state
Unemployment rate2.5%
Employment-to-population60.4%

Top Industries by Employment

Manufacturing
18.7%
Professional & business services
17.6%
Construction
10.8%
Retail trade
7.8%
Finance & real estate
7.7%
Education & health care
7.0%
Information
5.6%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.3%

The largest employment sector in Bedford County is manufacturing, accounting for 18.7% of workers.

How residents commute

0.0%

Drive alone

0.9%

Carpool

75.3%

Public transit

8.3%

Work from home

27.5 min

Avg commute

Housing

$255,300$-1,500 vs state

Median home value

$917

Median rent

70.2%

Homeownership rate

20,129

Total housing units

94.2%

Occupied

5.8%

Vacant

29.8%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

86.7%

With health insurance

91.1%

With broadband internet

29.8%

Foreign-born

6.5%

Veterans (18+)

15.2%

With a disability

87.6%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

84.8%

High School+

16.9%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Tennessee

Other counties in Tennessee

Part of Tennessee

Metro areas in Tennessee

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Bedford County, Tennessee has a population of 51,291 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 32nd-largest county in Tennessee. Population density is 108 people per square mile.

The population of Bedford County has grown 20.3% since 2010 (45,082 → 54,228), a +1.33% annualized rate.

The median household income in Bedford County, Tennessee is $62,197, with mean (average) household income of $78,968 and per-capita income of $29,468. 12.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Bedford County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (79.6%), Black or African American (7.1%), Hispanic or Latino (2.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Bedford County, Tennessee is 37.6 years. Residents are 49.1% female and 50.9% male.

The median home value in Bedford County is $255,300 and median monthly rent is $917. 70.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 20,129 total housing units, 5.8% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Bedford County, Tennessee is manufacturing, employing 18.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.

Nashville-Davidson is among the largest cities associated with Bedford County, Tennessee, with a population of 684,298.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.